Thomas Paul Palmer, 39, from Bonneau, faces multiple serious charges following a high-speed police chase in Berkeley County, South Carolina, on January 11, 2026. The incident began with a traffic stop for a suspended license plate due to canceled insurance on his white 2007 Chevrolet Colorado pickup.​
Incident Details
Deputies attempted to stop Palmer on North Highway 52 near Horne Street, but he fled, activating his turn signal without halting and reaching speeds of 78 mph through roads like Epson Plantation Drive, Rembert C. Dennis Boulevard, Old Highway 52, and Shannonwood Drive. The pursuit ended in the Shannonwood neighborhood after two stop-stick deployments.​
Charges Filed
Palmer faces charges including failure to stop for blue lights, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, possession of a weapon/ammunition by a person convicted of possession with intent to distribute, trafficking a controlled substance, manufacturing cocaine, possession of cocaine, and trafficking 10-28 grams of methamphetamine. These stem from drugs and a firearm found in the vehicle.​
Items Seized
Searches yielded 12.8 grams of methamphetamine, 0.4 grams of cocaine, 2.7 grams of fentanyl-laced marijuana, a glass pipe, a torch lighter, a digital scale with drug residue, and a loaded bullpup-style 12-gauge shotgun with a drum magazine. Palmer was booked into Hill-Finklea Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
